Mateo back on a mound Thursday

At least that’s the plan. Mateo, who was suspended on May 5 after missing a game and being charged with third-degree assault on his wife, Aurea, has been throwing at the team’s extended spring training camp in Peoria, Ariz.

He’s apparently ready for game competition, which means he’ll be joining the Tacoma Rainiers as part of their bullpen.

There’s no telling at this point if or when Mateo will join the Mariners, although manager Mike Hargrove said before Wednesday’s game the club had had to scramble to cover innings in middle relief with Mateo gone the last three weeks.